Learn German | The German School System | Deutsch Für Euch 20

Summary

In this video, the speaker compares the German school system to the American system, highlighting the key differences in structure, grading, and educational pathways. The German system starts with optional kindergarten and progresses through elementary school, with children tracked into **Hauptschule**, **Realschule**, or **Gymnasium** based on performance. The **Abitur**, similar to the American high school diploma, qualifies students for university. The system is more affordable than the U.S. and offers apprenticeships, but it’s complex and differs across states. Despite challenges, the speaker emphasizes that Germany's education system is still highly respected.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kindergarten in Germany is optional but recommended, focusing more on social skills than academics, and is available from ages 3 to 5.
• 😀 Grundschule (elementary school) lasts from grades 1 to 4 (or 6 in some states) and uses a grading system from 1 to 6, with 1 being the best and 5 being a fail.
• 😀 After Grundschule, German children are tracked into three types of secondary schools based on their academic performance: Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium.
• 😀 Hauptschule is for students with an average grade of 3 or 4, offering practical skills and leading to apprenticeships or further education.
• 😀 Realschule is for students with an average between 2 and 3, comparable to a high school diploma in the U.S., offering more academic subjects and leading to higher education options.
• 😀 Gymnasium is for top-performing students (grades 1 to 2) and provides a rigorous academic curriculum, leading to the Abitur (university qualification).
• 😀 The Abitur, a final exam in the Gymnasium system, is graded on a 0 to 15 scale, where 15 is the best, and it determines eligibility for university.
• 😀 In the past, all German Gymnasiums had a 9-year system, but many now follow an 8-year system (G8), though some federal states still use G9.
• 😀 University education in Germany is largely free, with fees generally not exceeding €200 per semester, making it much more affordable than in the U.S.
• 😀 German students can either continue their education after secondary school or enter the workforce with a qualification, depending on the type of school they attend.
• 😀 Unlike the U.S., where education is more uniform, Germany's education system is decentralized, with significant variation in rules and structures across different federal states.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the German and American school systems?

The main difference lies in how students are grouped and the structure of their education. In Germany, students are divided into different types of schools (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium) based on their academic performance, while in the U.S., high school education is more general, with students choosing their career path later.

At what age do German children start kindergarten, and what is its purpose?

German children can start kindergarten between the ages of 3 and 5. It's optional but recommended for social development, focusing more on learning social interaction and play rather than academic preparation.

How does the grading system differ between Germany and the U.S.?

Germany uses a numeric grading system from 1 to 6, where 1 is the best grade, and 6 is a fail. The U.S., on the other hand, uses letter grades (A to F), with a grade of A being the best and F being a failure. Additionally, Germany has quarter steps within grades (like 1+, 1.5, 2-), whereas the U.S. grading system is simpler.

What are the three main types of schools in Germany after elementary school?

The three main types of schools in Germany after elementary school are: Hauptschule (for lower grades, focusing on practical skills), Realschule (middle-level, similar to a U.S. high school diploma), and Gymnasium (for top performers, leading to university preparation).

How are students placed into these different schools in Germany?

In some federal states, the parents decide, while in others, the elementary school gives recommendations based on the student's performance. If parents disagree with the recommendation, their child may have to take an additional evaluation test.

What is the Abitur, and why is it important in the German education system?

The Abitur is the final exam taken after completing Gymnasium, a rigorous academic qualification required to attend university in Germany. It determines whether students can enter higher education and is comparable to A-levels in the UK.

How does the grading system change in the German Gymnasium after year 10?

After year 10, the grading system changes to a scale of 0 to 15, with 15 being the best and 5 being the minimum passing grade. This system is more precise, with grades ranging in thirds rather than the previous whole number and quarter steps.

What is the difference between the old 9-year Gymnasium system and the newer 8-year system (G8)?

The older system (9 years) consisted of grades 5 through 13, while the newer 8-year system (G8) shortens the duration to grades 5 through 12. Some states have switched to G8, but it’s still a point of debate.

How does university education in Germany differ from that in the United States?

University education in Germany is largely free, with minimal fees, usually around €100 to €200 per semester, compared to the high tuition fees in the U.S. Additionally, German universities follow the Bachelor's and Master's system, but still focus on more academic subjects, whereas U.S. universities offer more flexibility in subject selection.

What is the difference between the German Realgymnasium and regular Gymnasium?

The Realgymnasium focuses on specialized subjects like economics or technical education and allows students to take the Abitur with an emphasis on a particular field. Regular Gymnasium is broader and prepares students for university with a more general academic focus.